Lemon balm, fragrant plant with countless properties!

Lemon Verbena, also known as Lemon Balm, or Cedrina, or Scented Verbena, bears the scientific name of Lippia Citriodora or Aloysia Citriodora, and belongs to the Verbena family. It is a bushy and perennial plant, with a woody stem that can reach two or even three meters in height when the plant is in a favorable climate for its growth.

The leaves are deciduous, lanceolate and without petiole, light green in color and very fragrant, with a aroma similar to that of lemon balm and citronella. From them, an essential oil is extracted with an intense lemon scent.

The flowers of the plant are small, white with violet shades, collected in terminal panicles, and appear at the end of the summer season. Propagation occurs in July, when a cutting of about eight centimeters is taken from the branches and the stem, which is then planted in a mixture of peat and sand. The rooted cuttings are planted in the following May, when they have gained enough strength and robustness.

This is a herbaceous plant with a thousand virtues: its use is highly appreciated in the kitchen as an ingredient in many recipes, as well as in herbalism, for remedies and infusions that can alleviate certain ailments. Its use as an ingredient for the production of liqueurs should not be forgotten.

To be used, the leaves should be quickly harvested and dried to avoid losing their essence, although they are sometimes used fresh. They can be used to prepare infusions or herbal liqueurs, to flavor oil or to make jams, fruit salads, jellies, ice creams, and much more. The smell of the leaves is very potent, and they are often used in potpourri compositions.

LEMON VERBENA: HOME CULTIVATION

Lemon Verbena can be planted in the ground only in regions with a milder climate. In other areas, it is advisable to grow it in pots which must be kept indoors from autumn until the following spring. The plant should be exposed to sunlight and sheltered: ideally, it should be against a south-facing wall. If the area is warm enough, it can be grown in moist, well-drained, sandy garden soil.

During the summer, it needs to be watered frequently to keep the soil always moist. In winter, however, it should be watered sparingly. Pay attention to water drainage, as stagnation causes the leaves to turn yellow. If the tips of the leaves and the shoots wilt, it means the plant is suffering from drought.

In April and August, apply a complete fertilizer. Lemon Verbena does not require special pruning, except for removing dry and damaged parts that could harm the plant's health. It is very robust and is not subject to attacks from specific pests or diseases.

LEMON VERBENA: THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES

Lemon Verbena is rich in astringent substances, with soothing effects as it is a source of melatonin, known for being a natural relaxant. For this reason, it is widely used in herbal medicine for infusions and digestive teas and to promote nocturnal sleep. The teas are also very useful for eliminating intestinal gas, fighting bloating. It is also very helpful for those suffering from lack of appetite, perhaps due to therapies, as it stimulates the appetite. The infusion with Lemon Verbena is prepared in doses from 5 to 20 grams per liter, depending on its function, from simple digestive to antispasmodic, if stomach pain is present.

Lemon Verbena also has antipyretic properties: a hot infusion can lower fever and cure colds and respiratory tract inflammation. With external use, it is also effective for those suffering from youthful acne and for treating blisters and cysts. Used as an eye compress, it can help relax and combat redness or swelling caused by daily stress and urban smog.

For herbal use, young leaves and flowering tops are dried, which should be harvested twice a year, in late spring and early autumn. Drying takes place in dark, airy places, where the leaves are stored in cloth bags.

Lemon Verbena leaves can also be used fresh, for example, for a refreshing bath or to create a natural tonic solution for facial skin.

The oil extracted from Lemon Verbena is widely used in the cosmetic industry: it is used to create soaps, toothpastes, and various beauty products.

LEMON VERBENA: TIPS FOR USE IN THE KITCHEN

Lemon Verbena is often used in the kitchen to flavor dishes, thanks to its pleasant lemon aroma, which does not overpower but rather enhances the taste of foods. It is perfect for fillings, for seasoning meat dishes, fish, chicken, and other poultry, especially for game, as it mitigates the unwelcome "wild" aftertaste for many. It is delightful in salads, fruit salads, ice creams, and is often used to prepare jellies, jams, fruit tarts, and also herbal liqueurs.

A very inviting and easy-to-make recipe is that of spring vegetables with Lemon Verbena. To prepare this tasty dish, you will need potatoes, carrots, small onions, peas, mint, basil, Lemon Verbena, oil, salt, pepper, and vegetable broth.

Cut the vegetables (except for the peas) into pieces and sauté them in a pan with seasonings and herbs for about ten minutes. The peas should be blanched separately with vegetable broth and a grind of pepper until tender. Add them to the vegetables in the pan, continue cooking for a few more minutes, and serve. Enjoy your meal!

Among the sweet recipes, the lemon verbena and basil sorbet is undoubtedly the most inviting! It works very well after a fish-based lunch, but it is also tasty as an appetizer on a hot summer afternoon. To prepare it, use a lemon, basil, Lemon Verbena, water, sugar, a not too sweet sparkling wine, and an egg white.

For preparation, you will need to make a syrup of water and sugar and let it cool. Then mix it with the leaves of basil and Lemon Verbena and blend everything together. Add the lemon juice and sparkling wine, mix well, and put it in the freezer. Beat the egg white until stiff peaks form. Remove the mixture after half an hour, crush it with a fork, and fold in the whipped egg white. Put it back in the freezer for another half hour, then take it out and crush it again with a fork. At this point, your sorbet will be ready. Serve and cheers!

Lemon Verbena or Lemon Verbena can be very useful both for preparing a tasty dish and as an herbal remedy: truly a precious aid at home!

S&M